Cushioning device for vehicles.



T. A. KLENKE & S. OLSEN.

GUSHIONING DEVICE FOR VEHICLES.

APPLICATION FILED FEB.28,1911,

1,119,018, PatentedDec 1,1914.

10 SHEETS-SHEET1Q I witnesses: I N Wot Now,

. $2M GUM-1101 10) T. A. KLENKE & s OLSEN. CUSHIONING DEVICE FOR-VEHICLES.

APPLICATION FILED FEB 28, 1911.

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CUSHIONING DEVICE FOR VEHICLES.

APPLICATION FILED FEB.28,1911.

1,119,018. PatentedDec. 1,1914.

10 $HEETS-SHEET 3.

WJ/ ZWM newao: a We 141 004 T. A. KLENKE & S. OLSEN.

GUSHIONING DEVICE FOR VEHICLES.

APPLICATION FILED FEB 28, 1911. 1,1 19,018. Patented Dec.1,1914.

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vvi Tucson's T. A. KLENKEKz S. OLSEN.

OUSHIONING DEVICE FOR VEHICLES.

APPLICATION FILED FEB-28,1911.

Patented Dec. 1-, 1914.

v 10 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

A. KLBNKE & S OLSEN, OUSHIONING DEVICE FOR VEHICLES.

APPLICATION FILED FEB.28,1911

8 wva VL fol/L 2222:3000: XML? T. A. KLENKE &'S. OLSEN.

GUSHIONING DEVICE FOR VEHICLES. APPLICATION FILED FEB. 28, 1911.

1,119,018, Patented-De c.1,1914.

I I 10 SHEETS-SHEET 8 Witnesses gnucn-l om T. A. KLENKE & S. OLSEN.

OUSHIONING DEVICE FOR VEHICLES.

APPLIGATION FILED FEB. 28, 1911.

1,119,018; v v Y Patented Dec. 1, 1914;

10 SHBBTS-SHBET 9.

witnesses. a) mvcnfow.

T. A. KLBNKE & S. OLSEN. GUSHIONING DEVICE FOR VEHICLES. APPLICATIONFILED FEB. 28, 1911.

Patented Dec. 1, 1914.'

10 SHEETS-SHBET10;

UNITED STAIE ragrnntr OFFICE.

THEODORE A. KLEN 'AND SIGWARD OLSEN, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNORS TOKLENKE CUSHION AXLE COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF NEW ,YORK.

'CUSHIONING DEVICE FOR-VEHICLES.

Specification of Letters Patent.

'Application filed February 23. .1911; Serial no. 611,494.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, .TI-IEODORE A. Knits-Kn and SIGWARD OLSEN, bothcitizens of 'thelnited States, and residents, respectively. of New Yorkcity, county and State of Xew York, and New York city, county of Kings,borough of Brooklyn. and State of New York, have invented certain newand useful Improvements in Cushioning Devices for Vehicles, of which thefollowing is a specification.

Our invention relates to vehicles, :and especially to suspension devicesadapted for .use with pneumatic cushions between the wheels and the bedof vehicles. 7

Its object is to provide cushioning devices for vehicles includingpneumatic cushions between the wheel and the bed, compact. simple andcheap in construction. durable and efiicient in'operation, easy ofadjustment and easily adaptable and applicable to vehicles alreadyconstructed.

The invention consists in the novel devices and combinations hereinshown and described.

In the accompanying drawings forming part of this specification, we haveshown the'preferrml form of our improvement as embodied in anautomobile, and we will now proceed to describe that preferred form asthus'shown.

Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 is a side elevation of an automobileembodying our improvement in its preferred form, one side of the carbeing broken away to more clearly show the parts; Fig. 2 is a plan withthe body of the car removed and certain parts broken away; Fig. 3 is aview of the front axle taken on the lines 3-3 of Fig. 2', Fig. =1- is anenlarged detail section through one of the. pneumatic cushions and itssup-- ports and connections. showing the wheel pivot pin and a part ofthe front axle z'Fig. 5 is a vertical section on the lines 55 of Fig. 2,showing the "rear-axle; Fig. 6' is a detail side elevation of apneumatic cushion on the rear axle and connecting parts; Fig. 7 is anend elevation of Fig. 6, looking from the right toward the left, asviewed in Fig. 6; Figs. 8 and 9 are horizontal plan sections on lines8-8and 9-4) of Fig. 7; Figs. 10-12 show another modification for the rearaxle of shaft-driven cars, Fig. 10 being a vertical section through thecenter of the differential, Fig. 11 a. section on'lines 1111 of Fig. 10,and Fig. 12 a section on the lines 1212 of Fig. '10.

"Figs. 1-9 show our improvement as applied tochain-driven cars, Figs. 3and 4 illustratingthe application of the cushioning devices to the frontaxle, and Figs. 5 to 9, as adapted to the rear axle.

' Referring first to Figs. 1 to 4, inclusive,

1 represents the body of the bed of the car, which may be of any desiredconstruction, and which will not be 'fiirther described. 2 is the frontaxle, 3 the rear axle, and 4 represents the wheels. 5 is a pneumaticcushion or bag. Of course, it will be understood that one of these isprovided for each wheel. As the cushioning devices for one wheel areexactly like'those of another except as modified to some extent for therear axle, asdistinguishedfrom the front axle, we will confine ourdescription of the cushion'ing deviceand its connections to thoseconnected with one of the Wheels only. The cushioning device isinterposed between the wheel and the axle, so that the weight of the Ythe bed.- Each front wheel is provided with i a wheel pivot pin 6 fastwith the Wheel shaft and free to turn with it relatively to the axle 2.As shown, each front wheel 4 has a short wheel shaft"? to which theWheel pivot pin 6 is fastened in any suitable way, as by pinS. The endof the axle 2 is forked at 9 and 10, each branch being provided with acircular opening for the reception of the pivot pin 6, these openingsfurnishing bearings forthe pin. 11. is a screw-threaded nut screwed intothe opening'in the branch 9 of the fork, and having an enlargedheadprovided with a circular recess in its lower part for the reception ofthe usual antifrictionballs 12, which latter rest and rotate upon aplate 13. The fork 10 is pro vided with a screw-threaded nut 14 formingthe lower bearing for pivot pin 6. It has a dependent flange 15 at itslower end,'u'pon which is screwed a dependent oil cup 16. Pivot pin 6moves freely vertically in its bearings and in the oil cup. The latteris provided for lubricating )urposes, and also for jthe'purpose of excluing dust from-the 7 lower bearing. Pneumatic cushion is carthreaded nut11, upon balls 12, plate 13 and ried and supported by a lower support17. Preferably, this is shown as a plate slightly curved, the better tosupport the pneumatic cushion to which, if desired, it may be secured inany suitable way. 18 is the upper support for the pneumatic cushion, andis preferably a plate resting upon the upper surface of the pneumaticcushion. Plate 13 and support 13 are connected by straps 19. As shown,these are made of leather. They are suitably riveted to plate 13 as at20, and also to upper support 18 as at 21. The upper support 16 is adatedto transmit weight or pressure from tie bed of the ve hicle to thepneumatic cushion, and through it to the wheel. This is accomplished bythe weight of the bed and axle pulling downward upon the enlarged headof screwstraps 19. By means of the above described devices, supports 17and 18 are free to move toward or away from each other, as shown,vertically, but in all other directions they are compelled to movetogether as a unit; thus, any longitudinal movement of the axle 2 or thewheel 4"-.1"elative, to the bed, or any ports 17' and 18 to otherwisemove together.

Plate 13 is free to turn horizontally on the lower shaft of nut 11, thislower part being screw-threadedonly where it enters the fork 9. Fromthe. construction of the parts shown above, any horizontal turningmovement of the wheel is communicated to the lower support, pneumaticcushion, upper support, straps and plate 13, and, accordingly, thepneumatic cushion and its supports move as a unit with any horizontalturning-movement of the wheel. The pneumatic cushionand its supports arealways in the same position relative to the wheel. This produces auniformity in the cushioning effects at all times. 22 is a rubber gasketto cushion any blow in striking the upper surface of the part 11. Anysuitable means may be provided for connecting the axle 2 with the bed 1.These means should preferably be such as-topermit a longitudinal andarokin'gmdtion of the axle independently of the bed. The particularmeans we have shown for this purpose consist, for the front axle, of asprlng 23 interposed between the axle and the bed. This spring 18 shownas pivoted at one end to a link 24' pivoted at 25 to the bed and at itsother end it is pivoted to the bed at 26. The spring is secured to theaxle by clips 2? in the usual manner. By the above means, an elasticconnection is provided between the axle and bed suflicientlyflexible topermit the axle, pneumatic cushion, wheel and connections to have alongitudinal and rocking gnovement substantially independent of the -InFigs. 5 to S), we have shown our improvement as applied to the rear axleof an automobile. In all substantial respects, it is similar to thatalready shown for the front axle, differing mainly in those parts whichprevent the horizontal turning ofthe rear wheels. In order to preventthe wheel from turning, the wheel shaft 7 is not only provided with anintegral pivot pin 6, but also with two other integral pins 28, 28. 29is a. bracket fast to the rear axle 3. This bracket is provided with twocircular bearings 30, 3O, into which project the lower parts of pins 28.Bracket 29 at its upper end,- -is provided with a bearing 32 for each ofthe .pins 28, through which they project, as shown in Fig. 7. Bracket 29is also provided with an extension 33 to whichthe straps 19 are riveted,and also withia circular hollow bearing 34 through which passes pivotpin 6. This pivot pin carries the lower support 17 for the pneumaticcushion 5. It-will be understood, of course, that the weight istransmitted from the bed and axle through the straps 19, support 18,

pneumatic cushion, pivot pin 6, to the wheel, in the manner alreadydescribed. The pivot pins 6, 28 and 2S permit the vertical movement ofthe parts, but prevent any turning of the wheel in. a horizontal plane.Such turning could, of course, be prevented in many other ways.Any-suitable means for the purpose may be employed. 35, 35v are rubberwashers to prevent the knocking of wheel shaft 7 against bearings 30 and32. 36 is the usual radius rod. The particular means shown between therear axle and the bed for permitting longitudinal and rocking motions,consists of a cross spring 37 (Fig. 1) secured at its center to the bedand at each end pivoted at 38 to aside spring 89, the latter passingthrough the clips 27 secured to the axle, and at its further end be ingpivoted to a link 40 pivoted to bracket ll depending from bed 1.

All of the devices above described are especially adapted for use withchain-driven cars. l/Vith suitable modifications, our devices may, ofcourse, be used with shaftdriven cars.

By means of our improvement, very simple, compact and eflicientcushioning devices are provided, durable and efiicient in operation, andeasily adaptable to cars already built. The cushioning effects arealways =1,11e,ore

uniform. The supports for the pneumatic cushion are always maintained inparallelism with each other, so that no strains or. stresses passthrougl'i'the pneumatic cushion itself, and at the same time thesupports are free to move toward or away from each other to bring thevarying pressures upon the pneumatic cushion. We are thus-enabled to usepneumatic cushions. hr bags as there is no appreciable side strain orWear upon them. Each wheel is free to move vertically relatively to thea x1e and bed and independently I ofthe-other wheels carrying with it inthis relative movement its cushioning device and supports. spond toshocks or to irregularities in the roadway independently of the otherwheels and also of the axle and without the necessity of thereby movingthe whole axle. Accordingly, each wheel can respond to such shocks andirregularities more quickly and easily thus causing the vehicle to ridemore easily and evenly. Where desired, the wheel and its cushion deviceand supports are also free to rotate in a horizontal plane independentlyof the axle and bed. By means of our improved construction the pneumaticcushions and connecting parts can be rea dily removed for purposes ofrepair and replacement. i

' Many other changes and modifications than those herein specificallysuggested could be made without departing from our invention.

Having thus described our, invention,what we claim as new and desire tosecure by Letters Patenhis: I

1. In a vehicle, the combination of a wheel, an axle, a wheel pivot pinfast with the wheel shaft but free to turn relatively to the axle, asupport for apneumatic bag carried by the pivot pin, a pneumatic bagcarried by said support, a support connect ed with the axle and restingupon the pneumatic bag and ada'ptedto transmit weight from the axle tothe pneumatic bag, and connections between the two supports permittingthem to move toward or away from each other in a direct line but.causing them to move together rigidly as a unit in all other directions.

In the connections between the wheel and axle of a vehicle thecombination of a pneumatic bag and two supports therefor on oppositesides thereof for transmitting weight from the axle to the wheel, and awheel pivot pin, carrying the lower of said supports, the pivot pin,supports and bag being s0 connected that while permitting the supportsto move toward or away from each other in a direct line, the parts willotherwise move together rigidly as a'unit.

3. In the running gear of a vehicle, a wheel pivot pin and a pneumaticbag carried by said pin and movable therewith and This enables eachwheel to re adapted to transmit weight from the axle and bed tothewheel.

In the running gear of a vehicle, a wheel pivot pin and a pneumatic bag,a support therefor carried by the said pin, a support resting upon the"pneumatic bag adapted to transmit weight from the axle and bed to thesaid device, and connections between the two supports causing them tomove together rigidly as a unit 'except'toward and away from each other.

5.4111 the running gear of a vehicle, a wheel pivot pin and a supportfor a pnew matic bag carried by said pin and movable therewith.

6. In the running gear of a vehicle, "a wheel pivot pin, a pneumatic bagcarried thereby and movable therewith, a support resting upon thepneumatic bag and adapted to transmitt-o it weight from the axle and 8 5bed, and connections betwecn'the pin and slipport adapted to permit thesupport to compress the bag vertically and to cause the support and bagto move together rigidly otherwise use unit.

7. 1n the running geanof a vehicle, a wheel pivot pin, fast with thewheel shaft but free toturn on the axle or bed in a horizontal plane,and a pneuinatic bag for the vehicle carried-by said pin and free toturn with it in a horizontal plane.

8. In the running gear of a vehicle, a wheel pivot pin, fast 'With thewheel shaft but free to turn on the axle or bed in a horirmital plane, apneumatic bag and a support therefor carried by the pin and free to turnwith it in a horizontal plane, the support carrying the pneumatic bag.

' 9. In the running gear of a vehicle, a

wheel pivot pin, a pneumatic bag carried thereby and a support restingupon the bag and-adapted to transmit weight from the bed of thevehicle-to compress the bag ver ti :ally,'the pin, bag and support beingso connected as to turn rigidly together in a horizontal plane and tomove together rigidly in every direction except vertically.

30. In the running gear of a vehicle, a wheel pivot pin, a pneumatic bagcarried thereby, a support resting upon the bag, conthe support, bag andpin otherwise to move rigidly as a unit.

12. In the running gear of a vehicle, a

of the axle and free to turn in a hori-.

zontal plane independently of the axle, a pneumatic bag, a supportintegral with the pin to which the pneumatic bag is secured and uponwhich it rests, a support resting upon the bag and secured thereto, aplate surrounding the pin and connected with the axle so as to carry itsweight, but free to turn in a horizontal plane independently of theaxle, strapswertically flexible but otherwise rigid connecting the plateand uppersupport, all connected and,arranged so that the upper supportmay move vertically relatively to the lower support and pin to compressthe pneumatic bag and so that the support, bag and plate will turn in ahorizontal plane and move in all other directions ex cept vertically asa unit.

H. In a vehicle, the combination of a wheel, an axle, a cushioningdevice, two supports, one support connected with the axle and adapted torest upon the cushioning device to transmit to it weight from the axle,and the other support connected with the wheel and adapted to. transmitthe said weight to the wheel, connections between the'two supportspermitting them to move toward or away from each other in a direct line,but causing them to move together rigidly as a unit in all otherdirections, a bed, and resilient means interposed between the axle andthe bed permitting the axle'to rock and toniove longitudinallyrelatively to the bed.

15. In a vehicle, the combination of a wheel, an axle, a pneumatic bag,two-supports, one support connected with the axle and'adapted to restupon the pneumatic bag to transmit to it weight from the axle, and theother support connected with the Wheel and adapted to transmit the saidweight to the. wheel, connections between the two supports perimttingthem to move toward or the bed permitting the axle to rock and to movelongitudinallyrelatively to the bed.

16. In a vehicle, the combination of a. wheel, an axle, a wheel shaftpivot pin fast with the wheel but free to turn relatively to the axle, asupport for a cushioning device carried by the pivot pin, a cushioningdevice carried by said support, a support connected with the axle andresting upon the cushioning device and adapted to transmit weight fromthe axle to the cushioning device, connections between the two supportspermitting them to move toward or away from each other in a direct linebut causing them to move together rigidly as a .unit in all otherdirections, a bed, and resilient means interposed between the axle andthe bed permitting the axle to. rock a'nd to move longitudinallyrelatively to the bed.

17. In the running gear of a vehicle, the combination of an axle and awheel so connected as to be capable of vertical movement relative toeach other, a pneumatic bag carried by the wheel and movable with thewheel and connected to the axle so as to carry the weight of the axle, abed, and resilient means interposed between the axle and the bedpermitting the axle to rock and to move longitudinally relatively to thebed. 18. In the running gear of a-vehicle, the combination of an axle, awheel pivoted upon the axle so as to swing in a horizontal plane andfree to move vertically relative! y to the axle, a pneumatic bag carriedby the wheel and carrying the weight of the axle and vehicle and movablewith the wheel, a

bed, and resilient means interposed between THEODORE A. KLENKE. SIGWARDOLSEN.

\Vitncsscs for 'I. A. Klenke:

THOMAS Il'. BAINTAN, NATHAN CHANSTON.

Witnesses for Sigward Olsen:

Cums. G. HUPFEL,

WM. H. KLENKE.

